The survey also found that since 2006, in-house budgets have increased by more than 20 percent, and external spending on litigation has decreased, meaning many law firms are struggling to retain work.

“Top in-house counsel have proved their value, both in their traditional roles as legal advisors, and in the oversight of outside counsel expenditures,” James A. Merklinger, ACC Vice President and GC said in a press release. “Now, more than ever, they are taking steps to proactively reduce their companies’ outside counsel spend.”